The role of NGOs and the public to promote cleaner production

Abstract

This paper examines some of the contributions by the public and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to the promotion of clean production. It examines the need for public participation within the ‘precautionary approach’, the benefits of actively disseminating company emission and toxic use data to local communities and the importance of international NGO networking and campaigning. It also raises the importance of labour and Third World NGO participation in achieving environmentally and socially sustainable communities. Finally, some policy recommendations are made to increase public participation.